[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 131 (Monday, July 9, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 31659]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-14616]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2018-0639]


Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Black Narrows and Lewis Creek 
Channel, Chincoteague Island, VA

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Notice of deviation from drawbridge regulation.

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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard has issued a temporary deviation from the 
operating schedule that governs the SR 175 Bridge, which carries SR 175 
across the Black Narrows and Lewis Creek Channel, mile 0.0, at 
Chincoteague Island, VA. The deviation is necessary to facilitate the 
2018 Annual Pony Run and Auction. This deviation allows the bridge to 
remain in the closed-to-navigation position.

DATES: The deviation is effective from 6 a.m. on July 25, 2018, through 
6 p.m. on July 26, 2018.

ADDRESSES: The docket for this deviation, USCG-2018-0639 is available 
at http://www.regulations.gov. Type the docket number in the ``SEARCH'' 
box and click ``SEARCH''. Click on Open Docket Folder on the line 
associated with this deviation.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions on this 
temporary deviation, call or email Mr. Michael Thorogood, Bridge 
Administration Branch Fifth District, Coast Guard, telephone 757-398-
6557, email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Virginia Department of Transportation, 
owner and operator of the SR 175 Bridge that carries SR 175 across the 
Black Narrows and Lewis Creek Channel, mile 0.0, at Chincoteague 
Island, VA, has requested a temporary deviation from the current 
operating regulations to ensure the safety of the participants and 
spectators associated with the 2018 Annual Pony Run and Auction on July 
25, 2018, and July 26, 2018. This bridge is a single-span bascule 
drawbridge, with a vertical clearance of 15 feet above mean high water 
in the closed position and unlimited vertical clearance in the open 
position.
    The current operating regulation is set out in 33 CFR 117.5. Under 
this temporary deviation, the bridge will be maintained in the closed-
to-navigation position from 6 a.m. through 6 p.m. on July 25, 2018, and 
July 26, 2018.
    The Black Narrows and Lewis Creek Channel is used by a variety of 
vessels including recreational vessels. The Coast Guard has carefully 
coordinated the restrictions with waterway users in publishing this 
temporary deviation.
    Vessels able to pass through the bridge in the closed-to-navigation 
position may do so at anytime. The bridge will not be able to open for 
emergencies and there is no immediate alternative route for vessels 
unable to pass through the bridge in the closed position. The Coast 
Guard will also inform the users of the waterway through our Local and 
Broadcast Notices to Mariners of the change in operating schedule for 
the bridge so that vessel operators can arrange their transits to 
minimize any impact caused by the temporary deviation.
    In accordance with 33 CFR 117.35(e), the drawbridge must return to 
its regular operating schedule immediately at the end of the effective 
period of this temporary deviation. This deviation from the operating 
regulations is authorized under 33 CFR 117.35.

    Dated: July 2, 2018.
Hal R. Pitts,
Bridge Program Manager, Fifth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2018-14616 Filed 7-6-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 9110-04-P